WPS
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin Public Service is requesting a rate increase. WPS says the increase will allow the company to bury more power lines, trim more trees, and upgrade aging equipment.
The Citizens Utility Board says, if approved, it’d be six consecutive years rates go up.
“These are investments that benefit all of our customers by reducing power outages, by improving power outage restoration times, and minimizing the amount of emergency repairs that we need to make,” said WPS Spokesperson, Matt Cullen.
If approved, WPS would raise electric rates by about 9.7% next year, plus 4.3% the following year. That’s a total increase of about 14%.
That means for the average customer, they’ll see an additional $11.19 be on their monthly bill in 2027. Plus, another $5.43 in 2028. Combine the two and that’s an extra $200 over the next two years.
Also, for the average customer, natural gas rates would go up by about 11% percent in 2027 and stay within 0.1% in 2028. That’s an extra $86 over the next two years.
“I don’t have a choice of going somewhere else to buy a product at a cheaper rate, like, you know, a pair of pants. So, I’m stuck if they raise their rates,” said Leanne Cramer.
“We’ve already endured double digit increases over the last two years according to the citizens utility board, which are already high enough for most of the people in Brown County,” said Rachel Koelpin.
Those against the plan say WPS should be forced to cover increased costs by cutting what it already spends.
“We’re doing everything that we can to keep bills as low as possible, while still continuing to provide the safe and reliable energy that our customers count on us each and every day,” said Cullen.
Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission gets final approval on the request. Although there’s no official deadline, it says the hope is to make a decision by the end of this year.
You can still submit comments for or against the plan online. The deadline is Monday, Oct. 5.
If approved, WPS says the new rate would take effect in January.
Comments